September 27th, October 4th, October 18th: Large Community Room at Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane.

Fall Season Fire Prevention

In his memo to the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa County Fire Prevention District had some words of wisdom about fire danger in the fall season:

"We are just entering the most dangerous part of wildland fire season. Although the days are getting shorter and the evenings are getting cooler, I urge our residents and visitors not to be fooled into thinking fire danger is waning because the opposite is actually occurring. In the early days of fire season, we typically see quick drying and burning of the light, flashy fuels such as our annual grasses. This year’s early fire season has been responsible for the loss and damage of several homes in our District and elsewhere. As the season progresses, the medium and heavy fuels, including brush and timber, also dry out which leads to those fuels igniting much more easily than in the early season. The longer we go without consistent precipitation, the drier those fuels get which is why many of the most devastating fires are seen in late summer and fall."

Though much of Pleasant Hill is suburban, there is always a threat of fire in surrounding areas like the Briones open space, and residents should be mindful of ways to protect themselves and their neighbors from fire. More tips for preventing wildland fires and protecting yourself and your property is available at the National Interagency Fire Center website at https://www.nifc.gov/prevEdu/prevEdu_main.html.

Disaster Plan Resource

Our friends Claire and Carolyn were researching things to do when there's an earthquake, and wanted to share a useful website with the CERT community:

The page has some great information on developing a disaster plan, what to do during and after an earthquake, what and how to tell your kids about it, how to protect your house or property and some community education ideas to be more aware and prepared in case a disaster like an earthquake happens. Check it out!

After a Disaster

In the case of a disaster such as an earthquake, CERT graduates should respond as outlined below:

Check yourself, ensure your own safety

Check your family members and ensure that they are safe

Check your house and ensure that it is structurally safe. You should also check your natural gas service, electrical service, water service, check for fire(s) and lastly, check for any spilled chemicals or fluids.

If your telephone or cellular service is working, call your out of state or out of area contact(s) and let them know your status, where you will be and how to get in contact with you.

Once at the Assembly Area report to the Incident Commander. If you are first on scene, you are the Incident Commander. If there is an Operations Chief designated, you should report to him rather than the Incident Commander.

USGS: Earthquake Facts and Fantasy

How about those recent rumbles under Concord? Now's a good time to refresh your emergency kit, and then refresh your memory on earthquake fact and fiction. The USGS has a great page on truth and fiction about earthquakes!

More than Earthquakes

Earthquakes are always on the forefront of disaster preparedness in California, but there are many, many other kinds of natural disasters that could affect Pleasant hill. Heat waves, wildfires, and flooding can all be dangerous, and each have unique elements that must be prepared for.

Kayla in the Westwood Youth Group sent us a link to a great website with tips for all kinds of different natural disasters!